Vedan Award Row: Apology Demanded for Kerala Women | Deedi Damodaran

Screenwriter and writer Didi Damodaran expressed her displeasure over the state award for best lyricist being given to Vedan. Didi says the award given to Vedan is unfair and a betrayal of the government’s declaration that it will not protect women oppressors. Didi also demanded that the film jury should apologize to Kerala for writing a decision that cannot be reversed even if it goes to court.

Didi Damodaran’s lyrics: “Sweat-stitched shirt” lyrics are sublime. But under the cover of darkness, the blood that flowed from the wounds of those complainants is a just award. No amount of praise can erase or hide that path. The jury’s decision is a breach of trust of the policy announcements made by the government in the film conclave that it will not protect women oppressors. The Film Jury is obliged to apologize to the women of Kerala for writing that decision which cannot be reversed even if it goes to court.

The song ‘Kutantram’ from the film ‘Manjummal Boys’ earned Vedan the best lyricist award. However, the criticism that is being raised now is that it is not appropriate to give state honors when cases including sexual harassment are pending against Vedan.